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The objectives of this study
were to investigate the effect of grit on the growth rate, feed intake
and feed conversion efficiency of ostrich chicks which were given grit
and those not provided with grit. Six female and four male ostrich chicks
aged nine (9) weeks were randomly assigned into two feeding groups using
completely randomized experimental design. In each feeding group there
were five young birds raised in a pen. All the young birds were fed
with ostrich grower`s mash and water ad libitum. One group
had
access to grit during the study while other group did not. At week 18
weeks feed given to both groups of young ostriches and leftover were
weighed on daily basis. Body weights were recorded on a monthly basis
throughout the study. Average daily feed intake and average daily weight
gain were determined. Feed conversion efficiency was calculated using
average daily feed intake and average daily weight gain. The data was
analyzed using Student - t analysis at P< 0.05. Average daily weight
gain was higher (0.38 ± 0.03 kg/d) in ostrich chicks that had access
to grit as compared to ostrich chicks (0.37 ± 0.04kg/d) that had no
access to grit. Average daily feed (dry matter) intake was higher (1.95
±0.27kg/d) in ostriches that had no access to grit than those (1.94
± 0.20kg/d) access to grit. Feed conversion efficiency of ostriches
with access to grit was higher (5.11 ± 0.93) than those (5.27 ± 1.30)
without access to grit. Giving grit to young ostriches should be recommended
both to improve growth rate and feed conversion efficiency and to reduce
feed intake.
